Bali flights cancelled as volcano erupts

The worldwide airport on the Indonesian resort island of Bali reopened on Friday afternoon after a almost 12-hour closure due to a volcanic ash threat that disrupted travel plans for thousands.

The Indonesian volcanic agency, VONA, still has Mount Agung on orange color code - one below the top red level - meaning the volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with an increased likelihood of eruption or an eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.

This is not the first time that the airport has been closed due to Mount Agung and this time, 48 flights had been cancelled, affecting 8,334 passengers, including 38 global flights and 10 domestic flights.

An official statement said: "The "danger zone" is a small area of radius of approximately 4 kilometers from Mount Agung's crater".

Bali's main global gateway will be closed until at least Friday evening, according to officials who spoke to AFP news agency.

"At Flight Centre we are closely monitoring the situation and working with our customers due to travel to the region to provide support and advice, said Sue Matson, Flight Centre's general manager, retail".

Its last major eruption in 1963 killed around 1,600 people.

Authorities raised the warning alert to the highest level on November 22 and ordered the evacuation of people living nearby after two days of eruptions. Government seismologists monitor more than 120 active volcanoes.

Comments

Latest Posts

Justices won't hear case of anti-gay marriage florist
Since the ruling from the lower court was unanimous, it seems unlikely that this second ruling would go in Stutzman's favor. It did not address generally whether businesses can decline services to same-sex weddings because of religious beliefs.

US Supreme Court Approves Trump's Travel Ban
In remarks at a lunch with members of Congress Tuesday, Trump celebrated the decision as "a great victory for our Constitution". The policy applies to travelers from five countries with mostly Muslim populations: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

Oscar Robertson wonders: 'Where are the white athletes?'
Dwane Casey earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding the Raptors to a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference. However, Casey was sacked after the Raptors' second consecutive second-round loss to James and the Cavaliers.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro, Mi Pad 4: everything you need to know
However, the new Mi Pad 4 does come with AI Face Unlock, which makes it easy for users to unlock the tablet in no time. A new twist is the standalone microSD slot - you no longer have to choose between a second SIM or a memory card.

Brazil ease into last 16 with win over Serbia
Brazil eliminated Serbia and secured their place in the second round of the World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 victory in Moscow . As Group E winners, Brazil will now face Mexico in Samara on Monday, with group runners-up Switzerland taking on Sweden in St.

Argentina coach plots Nigeria downfall without Messi
There is no better opportunity than now for Argentina's players to step up and maybe create a legacy of their own. When I played in the Argentina team with him, he was always the main player and the main man.

Trump threatens Harley-Davidson with tax
Trump says he's getting other countries to reduce and eliminate tariffs and trade barriers, and open up closed markets. Harley-Davidson has denied a link between Kansas City and Thailand.

Jacinda Ardern reveals newborn daughter's name
The world will get its first glimpse of the PM's baby Sunday before mum and dad leave hospital to take her home. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford leave hospital with their baby daughter.